Emir of Jega in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa Jega, has called for the empowerment of the Centre for Intellectual Services on Sokoto caliphate to enable it expand the scope of activities for the upliftment of the legacies and scholarly works of the founding fathers.

Jega, who spoke in Sokoto during the annual conference and meeting of Muhajirun and Lansaru, which defines the roots of both “migrants and Inhabitants” across the descendants of late Sheikh Usmanu Bn Fodiyo, said the centre must be supported as a driving force to institute and strengthen the historical legacies and, especially the literary contributions of the caliphate founding fathers who cherished education, knowledge, justice, good governance among other basic principles that define Islam and the life style for humanity.

The Emir of Maru in Zamfara State Alhaji Abubakar Chika Ibrahim, who pledged a donation of N210,000 monthly on behalf of himself and his counterparts from Zamfara, was among other royal fathers in attendance at the conference that lasted over two hours.

The royal father acknowledged the tireless and committed efforts of the centre in updating and acquainting youths, especially pupils and students of both Islamiyya and secondary schools in Sokoto State, with the knowledge and history of the caliphate through quiz competition. They stressed the urgent need to encourage more responsive ways by coming up with reasonable prize rewards for participants.

He praised the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abu-Bakar, for personally financing the competition to ensure the sustenance of the legacies of the founding fathers for the benefit of current and future generations of young Muslims and humanity.

Delivering his opening address, the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa and Chairman of the event’s Committee, Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal Zayyana, said the focus of the centre was, primarily, to further strengthen the bond of friendship and relations between and among the Muhajirun and Lansaru and other parts of the world, based on the ideals and principles outlined by the late Sheikh Usmanu Bn Fodiyo.

He said: “We all need to encourage team spirit to guide the course for which the centre was established as well institute its functions on the platform of knowledge.”

The Wazirin of Sokoto, Prof Sambo Wali Junaid, represented by the Dan Galadiman Waziri, Alhaji Ahmad Bello Gidadawa, noted the achievement of the centre for fast tracking the translation of 23 books of the late Danfodiyo from Arabic into Hausa and English.

He urged stakeholders to evolve a way of adding value to the basic functions of the centre to enable the spread of knowledge on the caliphate.

In his remarks, Sheikh Sidi A. Sidi, said the centre’s activities, which dwell predominantly on the revered principles that founded the caliphate, should be consistently promoted across the globe.

Sidi described Sokoto Caliphate as a foremost history hub, which had over time sustained its drive for reformation based on knowledge oriented platform. He, therefore, urged scholars and Islamic preachers to passionately emulate the jihadist (Danfodiyo), who consistently sacrificed the strength of his life, wealth of knowledge and spirit of devotion to the course of Islam and humanity.

“Nothing is as rewarding than justifying commitment to a reverred noble course and clarion call to genuinely support the objective in the best possible way in time,” he said.

Others, who spoke in same direction, included Imam Malam Nura Na ta’ala Hausare, Khalifa Malam Yahaya Na Malam Boyi of Rugar Wauru Juma’at. They all canvassed the inclusion of History on “Sokoto Caliphate” in the education curricular at all levels.

Meanwhile, the high point of the event was the launch of a book: Diya’ul Kawa’ud wa Nasril Fawa’id li Ahlil Makasid, published by Dr Rufa’i Alhaji Isma’il, held at the City campus Lecture Hall, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.